Andrea Bocelli Biopic to Be Honored at Capri, Hollywood Fest

Antonio Banderas stars in the new Italian film.

The upcoming Capri, Hollywood Fest will honor the new film The Music of Silence with its Biopic of the Year Award, it was announced Friday.

The film, about the life of tenor Andrea Bocelli, was helmed by Michael Radford, the two-time Oscar-nominated writer/director of The Postman. Toby Sebastian (Game of Thrones) stars as a young Bocelli, with Antonio Banderas playing his teacher. Based on Bocelli's autobiographical novel of the same name, the pic recounts Bocelli's life growing up with a devastating eye condition that eventually led to his blindness.

After dedicating his life to music, Bocelli went on to sell more than 80 million records worldwide, as well as performing in front of popes, presidents, royals and sold-out audiences around the world. The film includes never-before released songs from the renowned singer that he composed when he was young.

On hand to accept the award on Dec. 29 at Cinema Paradiso in Anacapri, Italy, will be castmembers Sebastian, Luis Ranieri, Ennio Fastastichini and Jordi Molla, as well as producers Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi.

“Having worked with Bocelli throughout his career, I can attest to the authenticity of the story and the way in which it chronicles his beginnings and his rise to stardom," said Capri, Hollywood honorary president Tony Renis.

As previously announced, Capri, Hollywood also will honor A Ciambra director Jonas Carpignano with the Rising Star Award; Cinderella the Cat will receive best European animation honors; Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives will be awarded the best documentary prize; and Trudie Styler will be given the Person of the Year Award.

The 22nd Capri, Hollywood Fest is set to run Dec. 27-Jan. 2. This year's event is dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor, who was a frequent visitor to the Italian island.